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Bostonian916 (449 KP) rated Glass (2019) in Movies
Jun 30, 2020
Good conclusion to the M. Night Shyamalan trilogy that started with Unbreakable and included Split.
A strong performance for Bruce Willis. James McAvoy revolutionized him self as an actor for this role (between the two movies he starred in) and Samuel L. Jackson was his usual awesome. Vera Famiga was great in her role as well.
Story culminated with a definitive conclusion (not always a given with Shyamalan) that actually had an unsettling nature to it. I highly recommend watching all three movies if you are going to watch Glass.
A strong performance for Bruce Willis. James McAvoy revolutionized him self as an actor for this role (between the two movies he starred in) and Samuel L. Jackson was his usual awesome. Vera Famiga was great in her role as well.
Story culminated with a definitive conclusion (not always a given with Shyamalan) that actually had an unsettling nature to it. I highly recommend watching all three movies if you are going to watch Glass.
Madbatdan82 (341 KP) rated Glass (2019) in Movies
Apr 6, 2019
So close to a super super film
Contains spoilers, click to show
I try to not publish spoilers they're unavoidable here to explain why this only a 7/10 film. The first hour is great, building up the story leading to what you think will be an epic climax. The story starts with James McAvoy's 24 personalities having kidnapped 4 cheerleaders and Bruce Willis' David Dunn on the hunt to rescue them. After a confrontation they're taken to a psych hospital for evaluation which happens to be where they're keeping Samuel L Jackson's Mr Glass. All of this is awesome with the star of the show being McAvoy flowing through his personalities is a truly epic piece of acting. So the film plays out and leads to a good fight towards the end but then it goes a bit weird. You start to notice plot holes like this psych hospital only seems to have 1 orderly or security guard on duty at any one time. Or when McAvoy and Jackson are trying to escape they go through a security gate and get buzzed through straight away even though neither has their faces covered. It's like 'those 2 guys kinda look like 2 of the 3 highly dangerous multiple murderers that we're here guarding? Oh well!'...then we get into the obligatory M.Mike Salmonhands twist involving a secret society that just seemed uneeded and tacked on for no other reason than the film didn't have a twist...so there you have it. So close to being a truly great film but sloppy writing let it down.
Erika (17788 KP) rated Penelope (2006) in Movies
Apr 8, 2018
I have a lot of favorite movies, often when I describe a movie, if I loved it, I describe it as my favorite. My friend pointed that out a few years ago when I was telling her about this movie, and it made me think.
This movie is legitimately one of my top ten favorite movies.
Penelope is a modern, cute fairy tale about Penelope, who happens to have a pig nose because of a curse.
This movie has a ton of random actors in it: Christina Ricci is the title character. Youngish James McAvoy (<3), Reese Witherspoon, and Peter Dinklage.
This movie is legitimately one of my top ten favorite movies.
Penelope is a modern, cute fairy tale about Penelope, who happens to have a pig nose because of a curse.
This movie has a ton of random actors in it: Christina Ricci is the title character. Youngish James McAvoy (<3), Reese Witherspoon, and Peter Dinklage.
David McK (3162 KP) rated Wanted (2008) in Movies
Nov 20, 2019
Based on the graphic novel of the same name, I think the main draw of this for me (and, I'm sure, many others) is Angelina Jolie's character of Fox, with lowly frustrated office worker Wesley (a pre X-Men James McAvoy) discovering he is the son of a famous assassin, and that he shares his fathers almost superhuman killing ability.
There's a fair point to the criticism that this is almost a Matrix rip-off, but I have to say: this is far nastier (doesn't shy away from the guts and gore aspect) and filthier (language wise) than that earlier movie.
There's a fair point to the criticism that this is almost a Matrix rip-off, but I have to say: this is far nastier (doesn't shy away from the guts and gore aspect) and filthier (language wise) than that earlier movie.
Erika (17788 KP) rated Neverwhere in Books
Jun 19, 2018
Gaiman is very hit or miss for me. I've only really liked one book.
I really disliked Neverwhere when I first read it, it took me forever to get through, and I really liked the idea of the novel, just not the execution. But, yes, I am rating this an 8. The reason for this high of a rating is the BBC production of this book with James McAvoy. That radio adaption made me like it so much more, and I've now listened to it twice.
After this, I decided to only audiobook or get BBC productions of Gaiman's novels, but thus far, it's still been a bust.
I really disliked Neverwhere when I first read it, it took me forever to get through, and I really liked the idea of the novel, just not the execution. But, yes, I am rating this an 8. The reason for this high of a rating is the BBC production of this book with James McAvoy. That radio adaption made me like it so much more, and I've now listened to it twice.
After this, I decided to only audiobook or get BBC productions of Gaiman's novels, but thus far, it's still been a bust.
Suswatibasu (1701 KP) rated Split (2016) in Movies
Oct 19, 2017 (Updated Oct 19, 2017)
A little better from M Night Shyamalan, but still not spectacular
By far, James McAvoy steals the show in this psychological thriller, in which he plays 23 different personalities. Suffering from the condition Dissociative Identity Disorder, McAvoy reveals a dark side, where he kidnaps three girls and holds them hostage to his whims, while attempting to seek help from a psychiatrist. In between, we see one girl in particular engage with him, the trauma also bringing out her own demons. And of course a mandatory cameo from the director himself.
While the story has potential, and his acting is flawless - it lacks substance somewhat. Apart from his 'transformation', the film seems to have been created mainly on the premise that there will be a sequel, so you're left in limbo at the end with a small clue of what's next.
It's not particularly scary, so I wouldn't deem it a horror movie as such. The girls' kidnapping also seems slightly pointless, like tools in the movie so that they can showcase Kevin's (the main personality) different sides and what a 'monster' he is. Disappointing, but better than Shyamalan's recent terrible films.
While the story has potential, and his acting is flawless - it lacks substance somewhat. Apart from his 'transformation', the film seems to have been created mainly on the premise that there will be a sequel, so you're left in limbo at the end with a small clue of what's next.
It's not particularly scary, so I wouldn't deem it a horror movie as such. The girls' kidnapping also seems slightly pointless, like tools in the movie so that they can showcase Kevin's (the main personality) different sides and what a 'monster' he is. Disappointing, but better than Shyamalan's recent terrible films.
Awix (3310 KP) rated Glass (2019) in Movies
Jan 22, 2019 (Updated Jan 22, 2019)
More Than Half Empty
Long-awaited sequel to Unbreakable; also not-quite-so-long-awaited sequel to Split, as M Night Shyamalan's various superheroes and villains assemble in a nuthouse: roll-call includes Bruce Willis (special power: being, um, unbreakable), James McAvoy (special power: one of his multiple personalities is a bit of an animal), and Samuel L Jackson (special power: being older than his own mum - it's true, I checked Wikipedia).
Starts off very promisingly but soon collapses into a saggy and self-indulgent mess in the traditional Shyamalan style; many long-winded scenes and much mysto-babble. Another bravura performance from McAvoy, and Jackson (when he finally turns up) carves himself a thick slice of ham, but the consequence of this is that Bruce Willis mostly vanishes into the background. The climax is remarkably portentous considering it's mostly just two guys wrestling each other fairly clumsily in a car park. Not sure three half-assed plot twists add up to a decent ending. All in all, a curious attempt to make a superhero movie in the style of a horror film, but ultimately rather disappointing given the potential and the talent involved.
Starts off very promisingly but soon collapses into a saggy and self-indulgent mess in the traditional Shyamalan style; many long-winded scenes and much mysto-babble. Another bravura performance from McAvoy, and Jackson (when he finally turns up) carves himself a thick slice of ham, but the consequence of this is that Bruce Willis mostly vanishes into the background. The climax is remarkably portentous considering it's mostly just two guys wrestling each other fairly clumsily in a car park. Not sure three half-assed plot twists add up to a decent ending. All in all, a curious attempt to make a superhero movie in the style of a horror film, but ultimately rather disappointing given the potential and the talent involved.
Elli H Burton (1288 KP) rated Atonement (2007) in Movies
Jul 3, 2021
Keira Knightley - the part is her. (2 more)
James McAvoy - he is without doubt one of the best actors of today.
Saoirse Ronan - she really made me hate her character.
Warning in full description.
First time I've ever watched this tonight. Now, even normally I cry at this kind of film but I'm 5 months pregnant.
DO NOT MAKE THIS MISTAKE- AVOID WHILST PREGNANT. I was an absolute snivelling, blubbering mess. It really does hurt your heart to watch, it's also different than most stories you'll see regarding the ending. (I hope, if you've seen it, that makes sense 😊)
Definitely a tear jerker, has its lovely moments but mostly really sad.
DO NOT MAKE THIS MISTAKE- AVOID WHILST PREGNANT. I was an absolute snivelling, blubbering mess. It really does hurt your heart to watch, it's also different than most stories you'll see regarding the ending. (I hope, if you've seen it, that makes sense 😊)
Definitely a tear jerker, has its lovely moments but mostly really sad.
Barry Newman (204 KP) rated Trance (2013) in Movies
Feb 1, 2020
Danny Boyle is a director who rarely disappoints me even with weaker material his unique visual style makes for entertaining viewing. For me this was one of his better recent efforts and the story here is compelling with twists and turns galore (some plausible and some perhaps not so plausible) as we slowly unravel multiple plot lines connected with hypnosis and a botched art heist. The film is well paced and visually very impressive and kept me suitably hooked. The performances are also strong with James McAvoy and Vincent Cassel being the standouts but if the films plot leaves you scratching your head just a bit too much then there is always an eyebrow raising turn from Rosario Dawson that will certainly leave you with fond memories of the film.
Charlie Cobra Reviews (1840 KP) rated It: Chapter Two (2019) in Movies
Jul 7, 2020
Pennywise Returns - Not As Scary As Chapter 1, But Still Great
It Chapter 2 is a 2019 supernatural/horror movie directed by Andy Muschietti from a screenplay by Gary Dauberman. It was produced by New Line Cinema, Double Dream, Vertigo Entertainment, and Rideback, and distributed by Warner Bros. Pictures. The film stars Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy, Bill Hader, and Bill Skarsgard.
The evil clown Pennywise returns to terrorize the town of Derry, Maine after being defeated by the members of the Losers' Club 27 years ago. The childhood friends have long since gone their separate ways but are called home to keep their promise by Mike Harlon who never moved away. Not quite remembering everything from their past but each traumatized by their own scars, the Loser must conquer their fears and destroy Pennywise for good.
This movie was great. Personally, I think chapter 1 was better, but this film definitely didn't disappoint. Right from the beginning it set the tone with a opening scene of a gay couple being severely beaten. I really liked the casting and who they chose to portray the children of the Losers club, they did a great job. The acting from everyone was good, Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy and Bill Hader's performances were superb. I enjoyed how this movie expanded on the lore of Pennywise and his origin. Even with a long run time, it didn't feel like a super long movie. To me some of the most enjoyable parts were the flashbacks where you got to see the younger cast. It was good that they had a big part in this movie too. I give this movie an 8/10 and it also gets my "Must See Seal Of Approval".
The evil clown Pennywise returns to terrorize the town of Derry, Maine after being defeated by the members of the Losers' Club 27 years ago. The childhood friends have long since gone their separate ways but are called home to keep their promise by Mike Harlon who never moved away. Not quite remembering everything from their past but each traumatized by their own scars, the Loser must conquer their fears and destroy Pennywise for good.
This movie was great. Personally, I think chapter 1 was better, but this film definitely didn't disappoint. Right from the beginning it set the tone with a opening scene of a gay couple being severely beaten. I really liked the casting and who they chose to portray the children of the Losers club, they did a great job. The acting from everyone was good, Jessica Chastain, James McAvoy and Bill Hader's performances were superb. I enjoyed how this movie expanded on the lore of Pennywise and his origin. Even with a long run time, it didn't feel like a super long movie. To me some of the most enjoyable parts were the flashbacks where you got to see the younger cast. It was good that they had a big part in this movie too. I give this movie an 8/10 and it also gets my "Must See Seal Of Approval".